Iga Swiatek looks 'impossible to beat' on Court Philippe-Chatrier as four-time French Open champion opens with victory - 'She's back'

React to this story

Iga Swiatek looks "impossible to beat" on Court Philippe-Chatrier, TNT Sports expert Mats Wilander said, after the four-time French Open champion dominated Emerson Jones in the first round.

'It looks impossible to beat Iga Swiatek on this court' - Expert reaction to opening win

Video credit: TNT Sports

The 6-1 6-2 victory marked a strong start for Swiatek on her favourite surface, as she hunts a seventh major title and a fifth in Paris.
Making her first appearance at a major tournament since linking up with former Emma Raducanu and Rafael Nadal coach Francis Roig, Swiatek was thriving in the conditions of hot clay, and found good depth to apply consistent pressure on her 17-year-old wildcard opponent.
TNT Sports expert Wilander noticed a stylistic change in Swiatek's game, and feels she will be tough to beat on the main show court at Roland-Garros.
"She's playing better," Wilander said. "She's playing a little bit further behind the baseline. When you watch her play on this court, the ball is bouncing so high.
"It looks impossible to beat Iga Swiatek on this court. I know it is possible, but I like she's not being so aggressive. She was being super, super aggressive the last few years, and it hasn't really worked. Right now, she's back."
It was an intriguing opening, with Swiatek poised to surge ahead after breaking to love for 2-0, but she was immediately chalked back by the Australian, who was matching Swiatek's early baseline power and put the opener back on serve at the third opportunity.
picture

Watch as dominant Swiatek wins first set in opening match

Video credit: TNT Sports

But the world No. 3 quickly restored her advantage, finding good depth in order to apply relentless pressure on the serve of Jones, who managed to save two break points before Swiatek turned the screw with a close-range forehand which kissed the baseline.
From there, the clay-court master was imperious.
A four-time champion in the French capital, few can work the Parisian surface quite like Swiatek, and she suffocated Jones to earn another break to love, and move a set ahead with a minimum of fuss.
Having slipped to 3-0 down in the second set, Jones proceeded to break Swiatek for the second time in the match, having yet to hold her serve. It did little to alter the outcome, which had become increasingly inevitable.
Jones finally chalked up her first hold, but Swiatek's pressure culminated with another break which allowed her to serve for the match - and she did so, to 15.
picture

Swiatek insists she must 'stay humble' despite emphatic opening win at French Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports expert Henri Leconte could see the benefit of Swiatek's recent work with new coach Roig.
"She's back where she wants, the French Open, stay on the baseline and go for the shots," Leconte said.
"Moving better. I think the work she did with Roig, that helps a lot. When she's playing like that, she can be dangerous. You can think about her [as a title contender]."
Sara Bejlek awaits Swiatek in the second round, after she defeated qualifier Sloane Stephens.
TNT Sports is providing live text coverage of every day at the French Open. Click here to follow along.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream every court from the 2026 French Open exclusively live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Join 1M+ on app
Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports
Download
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement